Nonprofit public libraries and technical efficiency: An application of data envelopment analysis to technology-based outputs

Publication date: Available online 30 November 2019Source: Library & Information Science ResearchAuthor(s): Salomon Alcocer GuajardoAbstractNonprofit public libraries (NPPLs) with technically efficient production functions attain greater program and service outputs per registered user in comparison to peers with less efficient production functions. An output-oriented nondiscretionary data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with variable returns-to-scale is used to assess the technical efficiency of 339 NPPLs in the United States (US) in attaining electronic-, physical-, and Internet-based program and service outputs. Based on the output-oriented DEA analysis, 46% of the NPPLs are technically efficient in producing program and service outputs per registered user. On average, US NPPLs are moderately inefficient in attaining their program and service outputs. The DEA analysis also reveals that the inefficient NPPLs should increase their electronic, physical, and Internet service levels per registered user to achieve technical efficiency as annual input levels are held constant.
Source: Library and Information Science Research - Category: Databases & Libraries Source Type: research